Police: Grandma leads police on chase with unbuckled child in car

Published 8:38 AM EDT Sep 06, 2013

SUMTER, S.C. (WIS-TV) -

A Sumter grandmother is accused of crossing the center line, running several stop signs, almost crashing twice and running a red light, all while talking on her cellphone with her unbuckled grandchild in the car, according to Sumter police.

Police said 41-year-old Susie Thomas led them on a chase last week.

Once stopped, police found a crying 4-year-old girl in the back seat of her car, where she had been for the entire chase.

When asked why she didn’t stop, police said she told them she knew she had warrants.

Police said Thomas has warrants in Sumter, Florence and Saluda counties, and in the cities of Sumter, Hartsville, and Johnsonville, where police say Thomas is accused of forgery and counterfeiting.

After she was arrested, Thomas showed concern for her granddaughter.

"Is she still crying?" she asked the officer.

From the back of a patrol car, Thomas told the officer she served 13-14 months in prison on forgery charges. In fact, Thomas told the officer a lot.

"I ain't got time for the Sumter County jail," she said.

She did have time for an apology, almost.

"I feel real bad, especially for knowing how fast things can happen. I mean, I'm not a stupid person, but I was real stupid today," she said.

"People have their moments," said the officer.

"Well this was a big, dumb moment," said Thomas.

Thomas was charged with failing to stop for blue lights, running a red light, reckless driving, child endangerment, and driving with a suspended license.